Mapúa education group and Arizona State University strengthen alliance to elevate Philippine higher education

Mapúa Education Group and Arizona State University (ASU) have announced the expansion of their academic partnership, marking a significant step in advancing and globalizing Philippine higher education.

What began as a collaboration in business and health sciences has now evolved into the first and only comprehensive academic partnership between a leading Philippine education group and a globally ranked university. ASU is recognized as the No. 1 university in the United States for innovation and a global leader in research impact.

Expanding Global Access for All Mapúa Students

Through this expanded collaboration, students across all undergraduate and graduate programs in the Mapúa network — including Mapúa University, Mapúa Malayan College Laguna, Mapúa Malayan College Mindanao, and Mapúa Malayan Digital College — will gain access to enhanced global learning opportunities.

These include:

• Courses enriched with ASU’s globally benchmarked academic content

• International student engagement opportunities through ASU and the ASU-Cintana Alliance network

• Flexible and cost-effective pathways to international degrees, offered both onsite and online

A Deeper, Student-Centered Academic Integration

Strengthened partnership embeds ASU’s academic frameworks, innovation models, and digital learning strategies across Mapúa’s programs. This integration enhances curriculum relevance, strengthens academic rigor, and advances AI-driven pedagogy to prepare students for rapidly evolving industries.

Students will also benefit from structured global pathways such as dual-degree options, accelerated master’s programs, and mobility opportunities linked to ASU. These pathways allow learners to gain international exposure while remaining accessible to students in the Philippines.

Artificial intelligence plays a central role in the collaboration, with ASU’s AI frameworks and digital innovation practices integrated into teaching and learning. Through shared expertise and research initiatives, Mapúa further strengthens its AI-enabled education model.

Advancing Research, Sustainability, and Industry Collaboration

Beyond academics, the agreement expands faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and industry partnerships. Collaboration through ASU and the ASU-Cintana network aims to accelerate research productivity and promote industry-relevant innovation that contributes to national development.

Key initiatives include the planned establishment of a Green College, aligned with ASU’s sustainability benchmarks, as well as expanded efforts in sustainability research, technology innovation, and societal impact.

A Transformative Step for Philippine Education

Mapúa University President Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo emphasized that the partnership reflects Mapúa’s commitment to globally benchmarked standards and future-ready education.

ASU President Michael M. Crow likewise expressed enthusiasm for the comprehensive partnership, highlighting its potential to support educational progress and international collaboration.

As the flagship university of iPeople, Inc. — the education joint venture of House of Investments (under the Yuchengco Group of Companies) and Ayala Corporation — Mapúa continues to pursue its mission of making world-class education more accessible to Filipino learners.

The expanded Mapúa–ASU partnership represents a shift from traditional academic exchanges toward deeper institutional integration, reinforcing the Philippines’ role in the global higher education landscape.